Imaging Materials comprising electrically conductive polymer particle layers

ABSTRACT

Image-forming materials including photographic, thermographic, and thermally-developable imaging materials include one or more transparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers to provide antistatic control on one or both sides of subbed or unsubbed supports. The electrically conductive, non-charging layers comprise colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles that can be dispersed in a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about 90 volume % of polymer particles. Particularly useful polymer particles include pyrrole-containing, thiophene-containing, and aniline-containing polymers. The particles generally exhibit a packed powder specific resistivity of 10 5  ohm-cm or less and generally have a mean diameter of 0.5 μm or less. The electrically conductive, non-charging layers generally exhibit a surface electrical resistivity of less than 1×10 12  ohm per square.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based on Provisional Application No.60/290,721 filed May 14, 2001 by Lelental, Mosehauer, Owers, and Wakley.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to multilayer imaging materialsone or more electrically conductive, non-charging layers on either orboth sides of a subbed or unsubbed support. This invention is directedto imaging sciences in general and photography, thermography,photothermography more specifically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Problems associated with the generation and discharge ofelectrostatic charge during the manufacture and use of photographic filmand paper products have been recognized for many years by thephotographic industry. The accumulation of static charge on film orpaper surfaces can cause irregular static marking fog patterns in theemulsion layer. The presence of static charge also can lead todifficulties in support conveyance as well as the attraction of dust,which can result in, fog, desensitization, and other physical defectsduring emulsion coating. The discharge of accumulated charge during orafter the application of the sensitized emulsion layer(s) also canproduce irregular fog patterns or “static marks” in the emulsion layer.The severity of static-related problems has been exacerbated greatly byincreases in the sensitivity of new emulsions, increases in coatingmachine speeds, and increases in post-coating drying efficiency.

[0004] The generation of electrostatic charge during the coating processresults primarily from the tendency of webs to undergo triboelectriccharging during winding and unwinding operations, during conveyancethrough the coating machines, and during finishing operations such asslitting and spooling.

[0005] Static charge can also be generated during the use of the finalphotographic film product. In an automatic camera, the winding of rollfilm out of and back into the film cassette, especially in a lowrelative humidity environment, can result in static charging andmarking. Similarly, high-speed automated film processing equipment canproduce static charging resulting in marking. Sheet films are especiallysubject to static charging during use in automated high-speed filmcassette loaders (for example, radiographic and graphic arts films).

[0006] It is widely known and accepted that accumulated electrostaticcharge can be dissipated effectively by incorporating one or moreelectrically conductive “antistatic” layers into the overall filmstructure. Antistatic layers can be applied to one or to both sides ofthe film support as subbing layers either underlying or on the sideopposite to the sensitized emulsion layer. Alternatively, an antistaticlayer can be applied as the bottom layers, intermediate layers, oroutermost coated layer either over the emulsion layers (that is, as anovercoat) or on the side of the film support opposite to the emulsionlayers (that is, as a back coat) or both.

[0007] A wide variety of electrically conductive materials can beincorporated in antistatic layers to produce a broad range of surfaceconductivities. Many of the traditional antistatic layers used forphotographic applications employ materials that exhibit predominantlyionic conductivity. Antistatic layers containing simple inorganic salts,alkali metal salts of surfactants, alkali metal ion-stabilized colloidalmetal oxide sols, ionic conductive polymers or polymeric electrolytescontaining alkali metal salts and the like have been taught in the art.The electrical conductivities of such ionic conductors are typicallystrongly dependent on the temperature and relative humidity of thesurrounding environment. At low relative humidity and low temperatures,the diffusion mobility of the charge carrying ions are greatly reducedand the bulk conductivity is substantially decreased. At high relativehumidity, an exposed antistatic back coating can absorb water, swell,and soften. Especially in the case of roll films, this can result in aloss of adhesion between layers as well as physical transfer of portionsof the back coating to the emulsion side of the film (viz. blocking).Also, many of the inorganic salts, polymeric electrolytes, and lowmolecular weight surface-active agents typically used in such antistaticlayers are water soluble and can be leached out during film processing,resulting in a loss of antistatic function.

[0008] One of the numerous methods proposed in the art for increasingthe electrical conductivity of the surface of photographiclight-sensitive materials in order to dissipate accumulatedelectrostatic charge involves the incorporation of at least one of awide variety of surfactants or coating aids in the outermost (surface)protective layer overlying the emulsion layer(s). A wide variety ofionic-type surfactants have been evaluated as antistatic agentsincluding anionic, cationic, and betaine-based surfactants. The use ofnonionic surfactants having at least one polyoxyethylene group asantistatic agents has been disclosed. Further, surface protective layerscontaining nonionic surfactants having at least two polyoxyethylenegroups have been disclosed.

[0009] In order to provide improved performance, the incorporation of ananionic surfactant having at least one polyoxyethylene group incombination with a nonionic surfactant having at least onepolyoxyethylene group in the surface layer was disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,649,102. A further improvement in antistatic performance byincorporating a fluorine-containing ionic surfactant having apolyoxyethylene group into a surface layer containing either a nonionicsurfactant having at least one polyoxyethylene group or a combination ofnonionic and anionic surfactants having at least one polyoxyethylenegroup was disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,510,233 and 4,649,102.Additionally, surface or backing layers comprising a combination ofspecific cationic and anionic surfactants having at least onepolyoxyethylene group in each which form a water-soluble or dispersiblecomplex with a hydrophilic colloid binder are disclosed in EuropeanPatent Publication 650,088 and British Patent Publication 2,299,680.

[0010] Surface layers containing either non-ionic or anionic surfactantshaving polyoxyethylene groups often demonstrate specificity in theirantistatic performance such that good performance can be obtainedagainst specific supports and photographic emulsion layers but poorperformance results when they are used with others. Surface layerscontaining fluorine-containing ionic surfactants generally exhibitnegatively charged triboelectrification when brought into contact withvarious materials. Such fluorine-containing ionic surfactants exhibitvariability in triboelectric charging properties after extended storage,especially after storage at high relative humidity.

[0011] However, it is possible to reduce triboelectric charging fromcontact with specific materials by incorporating into a surface layerother surfactants which exhibit positively charged triboelectrificationagainst these specific materials. The dependence of thetriboelectrification properties of a surface layer on those specificmaterials with which it is brought into contact can be somewhat reducedby adding a large amount of fluorine-containing nonionic surfactants.

[0012] However, the use of a large amount of said fluorine-containingsurfactants results in decreased emulsion sensitivity, increasedtendency for blocking, and increased dye staining during processing.Thus, it is extremely difficult to minimize the level of triboelectriccharging against all those materials with which an imaging element maycome to contact without seriously degrading other requisite performancecharacteristics of the imaging element.

[0013] The inclusion in a surface or backing layer of a combination ofthree kinds of surfactants, comprising at least one fluorine-containingnonionic surfactant, and at least one fluorine-containing ionicsurfactant, and a fluorine-free nonionic surfactant has been disclosedto reduce triboelectric charging, prevent dye staining on processing,maintain antistatic properties on storage, and preserve sensitometricproperties of the photosensitive emulsion layer. The level oftriboelectric charging of surface or backing layers containing saidcombination of surfactants against dissimilar materials (for example,rubber and nylon) is alleged to be such that little or no static markingof the sensitized emulsion occurs. The incorporation of anotherantistatic agent such as colloidal metal oxide particles into thesurface layer containing a combination of surfactants is also known.

[0014] The use of a hardened gelatin-containing conductive surface layercontaining a soluble antistatic agent (for example TERGITOL 15-S-7), analiphatic sulfonate-type surfactant (for example HOSTAPUR SAS-93), amatting agent (for example silica, titania, zinc oxide, and polymericbeads), and a friction-reducing agent (for example Slip-Ayd SL-530) forgraphic arts and medical x-ray films has been described in U.S. Pat. No.5,368,894.

[0015] Further, a method for producing such a multilayered photographicelement in which the conductive surface layer is applied in tandem withthe underlying sensitized emulsion layer(s) is also described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,368,894. A surface protective layer comprising a compositematting agent consisting of a polymeric core particle surrounded by alayer of colloidal metal oxide particles and optionally, conductivemetal oxide particles and a nonionic, anionic or cationic surfactant hasbeen disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,598.

[0016] An electroconductive protective overcoat overlying a sensitizedsilver halide emulsion layer of a black-and white photographic elementcomprising at least two layers both containing granular conductive metaloxide particles and gelatin but at different metal oxideparticle-to-gelatin weight ratios has been taught in Japanese Kokai63-063035. The outermost layer of said protective layer contains asubstantially lower total dry coverage of conductive metal oxide (forexample, 0.75 g/m² compared to 2.5 g/m²) present at a lower metal oxideparticle-to-gel weight ratio (e.g., 2:1 vs 4:1) than that of theinnermost conductive layer.

[0017] Antistatic layers incorporating electronic rather than ionicconductors also have been described extensively in the art. Because theelectrical conductivity of such layers depends primarily on electronicmobility rather than on ionic mobility, the observed conductivity isindependent of relative humidity and only slightly influenced by ambienttemperature. Antistatic layers containing conjugated conductivepolymers, conductive carbon particles, crystalline semiconductorparticles, amorphous semiconductive fibrils, and continuoussemiconductive thin films or networks are well known in the art. Of thevarious types of electronic conductors previously described,electroconductive metal-containing particles, such as semiconductivemetal oxide particles, are particularly effective. Fine particles ofcrystalline metal oxides doped with appropriate donor heteroatoms orcontaining oxygen deficiencies are sufficiently conductive whendispersed with polymeric film-forming binders to be used to prepareoptically transparent, humidity insensitive, antistatic layers usefulfor a wide variety of imaging applications. Suitable conductive metaloxides include zinc oxide, titania, tin oxide, alumina, indium oxide,zinc and indium antimonates, silica, magnesia, zirconia, barium oxide,molybdenum trioxide, tungsten trioxide, and vanadium pentoxide. Ofthese, the semiconductive metal oxide most widely used in conductivelayers for imaging elements is a crystalline antimony-doped tin oxide,especially with a preferred antimony dopant level between 0.1 and 10atom percent Sb (for Sb_(x)Sn_(1-x)O₂) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,394,441.

[0018] Electrically conducting polymers have recently received attentionfrom various industries because of their electronic conductivity.Although many of these polymers are highly colored and are less suitedfor photographic applications, some of these electrically conductingpolymers, such as substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containingpolymers (as mentioned in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,665,498 and 5,674,654),substituted or unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymers (as mentionedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,300,575, 5,312,681, 5,354,613, 5,370,981, 5,372,924,5,391,472, 5,403,467, 5,443,944, 5,575,898, 4,987,042, and 4,731,408)and substituted or unsubstituted aniline-containing polymers (asmentioned in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,716,550, 5,093,439, and 4,070,189) aretransparent and not prohibitively colored, at least when coated in thinlayers at moderate coverage. Because of their electronic conductivityinstead of ionic conductivity, these polymers are conducting even at lowhumidity. Moreover, some of these polymers can retain sufficientconductivity even after wet chemical processing to provide what is knownin the art as “process-surviving” antistatic characteristics to thephotographic support they are applied. Unlike metal-containingsemi-conducting particulate antistatic materials (e.g., antimony-dopedtin oxide), the aforementioned electrically conducting polymers are lessabrasive, environmentally more acceptable (due to absence of heavymetals).

[0019] The use of electroconductive antimony-doped tin oxide granularparticles in combination with at least one fluorine-containingsurfactant in a surface, overcoat or backing layer has been disclosedbroadly in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,495,276, 4,999,276, 5,122,445, 5,238,801,5,254,448, and 5,378,577 and also in Japanese Kokai 07-020,610 andJapanese Kokoku 91-024,656B1. Such fluorine-containing surfactants arepreferably located in the same layer as the electroconductive tin oxideparticles to provide improved antistatic performance. A surfaceprotective layer or a backing layer comprising at least onefluorine-containing surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant havingat least one polyoxyethylene group, and optionally one or both ofelectroconductive metal oxide granular particles or a conductive polymeror conductive latex is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,959.

[0020] Similarly, a silver halide photographic material comprising anoutermost layer overlying a sensitized silver halide emulsion layercontaining an organopolysiloxane and a nonionic surfactant having atleast one polyoxyethylene group, optionally combined with or replaced byone or more fluorine-containing surfactants or polymers, and a backinglayer containing electroconductive metal oxide particles is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,137,802. Such backing layer is located on the oppositeside of the support from an outermost layer overlying the emulsionlayer.

[0021] The incorporation of an organopolysiloxane, a nonionic surfactanthaving a polyoxyethylene group and/or a fluorine-containing surfactantor polymer in an outermost layer was disclosed as providing excellentantistatic performance with a minimum degree of deterioration withstorage time, and negligible occurrence of static marking.

[0022] As indicated herein above, the art discloses a wide variety ofovercoat layer compositions. However, there is still a critical need inthe art for a conductive overcoat that not only effectively dissipatesaccumulated electrostatic charge, but also minimizes triboelectriccharging against a wide variety of materials with which the imagingelement may come into contact. In addition to providing superiorantistatic performance, the conductive overcoat layer also must behighly transparent, must resist the effects of humidity change, stronglyadhere to the underlying layer, exhibit suitable mushiness, not exhibitferrotyping or blocking, not exhibit adverse sensitometric effects, notimpede the rate of development, not exhibit dusting, and still bemanufacturable at a reasonable cost.

[0023] It is toward the objective of providing such improvedelectrically conductive, non-charging overcoat layers that moreeffectively meet the diverse needs of imaging elements, especially ofsilver halide photographic flhns, than those of the prior art that thepresent invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention provides a multilayer imaging material foruse in an image-forming process comprising a subbed or unsubbed support,and having disposed thereon, one or more image-forming layers and one ormore transparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers each ofwhich comprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles.

[0025] Such electrically conductive, non-charging layers can beantistatic layers, interlayers, or overcoat layers comprising one ormore electrically conductive polymers, optionally one or more chargecontrol agents, one or more polymeric film-forming binders, and variousoptional additives.

[0026] The image-forming layers may include silver halide-containingsensitized emulsion layers useful in awide variety of imaging materials.The electrically conductive, antistatic overcoat layer, either directlyoverlies one or more image-forming layers and/or intermediate layers, asan outermost or surface layer.

[0027] The surface electrical resistivity (SER) of said electricallyconductive antistatic layer is nominally independent of relativehumidity and is retained after exposure to aqueous solutions having awide range of pH values (e.g., 2≦pH≦13) used in conventionalphotographic wet-solution processing. The electrically conductive layerscan be coated simultaneously with image-forming layers usingconventional slide, bead, or curtain coating techniques and equipment.

[0028] The transparent, electrically conductive, non-charging layersuseful in the present invention serve to protect the image-forminglayers (such as photographic, thermographic, or photothermographicemulsion layers) from the effects of accumulated electrostatic charge,such as dirt attraction, physical defects during manufacturing, unevenmotion during conveyance, and irregular ‘fog’ patterns resulting fromtriboelectric charging as well as from static marking resulting from thedischarge of accumulated electrostatic charge. Preferably, suchelectrically conductive, antistatic layers comprise both theelectrically conductive polymeric particles to provide superiordissipation of accumulated electrostatic charge and at least one andpreferably multiple charge control agents to minimize the level oftriboelectric charging.

[0029] Useful combinations of charge control agents can comprise amixture of at least one of a suitable negatively-charging anionic chargecontrol agent and at least one suitable positively-charging anioniccharge control agent at low concentrations optimized to minimizetriboelectric charging.

[0030] Such preferred electrically conductive layers useful in thepresent invention provide superior antistatic protection relative toconductive layers described in the prior art that contain onlysurfactants since in order to increase conductivity of such layers it isnecessary to increase the surfactant concentration that also canincrease the level of triboelectric charging.

[0031] The present invention further provides an improved method forpreparing imaging elements comprising the noted electrically conductivelayer(s). The resulting imaging materials are generally highlytransparent and exhibit superior antistatic performance, resistance totriboelectric charging, mushiness, adhesion to the underlying layers,and base wettability characteristics for a given dry weight laydown ofelectrically conductive polymeric particles compared to imaging elementscomprising conductive subbing layers taught in prior art at comparabledry weight laydowns of electrically conductive metal-containing particleand conductive particle to polymeric binder ratios.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The method for preparing the noted electrically conductive layersin accordance with this invention comprises preparing a stable aqueouscolloidal dispersion of one or more electrically conductive polymericmaterials. Preferably, such colloidal dispersions are combined with atleast one charge control agent, one or more polymeric film-formingbinders, thickeners, and other additives, and incorporated in an imagingelement in the form of a thin underlayer, interlayer or overcoat layer.

[0033] The electrically conductive polymer particles can be coated outof aqueous coating compositions. The polymers can be chosen from any ora combination of electrically conductive polymers, such as substitutedor unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymers (as mentioned for example,in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,665,498 and 5,674,654), substituted or unsubstitutedthiophene-containing polymers (as mentioned for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,300,575, 5,312,681, 5,354,613, 5,370,981, 5,372,924, 5,391,472,5,403,467, 5,443,944, 5,575,898, 4,987,042, and 4,731,408), andsubstituted or unsubstituted aniline-containing polymers (as mentionedfor example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,716,550, 5,093,439, and 4,070,189).Mixtures of each or several types of polymers can be used. All of thesepatents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The electrically conductive polymers may be soluble ordispersible in organic solvents or water or mixtures thereof. Forenvironmental reasons, aqueous systems are preferred. Polyanions used inthese electrically conductive polymers include the anions of polymericcarboxylic acids such as polyacrylic acids, poly(methacrylic acid), andpoly(maleic acid), and polymeric sulfonic acids such aspolystyrenesulfonic acids and polyvinylsulfonic acids, the polymericsulfonic acids being preferred for use in this invention. Thesepolycarboxylic and polysulfonic acids may also be copolymers formed fromvinylcarboxylic and vinylsulfonic acid monomers copolymerized with otherpolymerizable monomers such as the esters of acrylic acid and styrene.The molecular weight of the polyacids providing the polyanionspreferably is 1,000 to 2,000,000 and more preferably 2,000 to 500,000.The polyacids or their alkali salts are commonly available, for exampleas polystyrenesulfonic acids and polyacrylic acids, or they may beproduced using known methods. Instead of the free acids required for theformation of the electrically conducting polymers and polyanions,mixtures of alkali salts of polyacids and appropriate amounts ofmonoacids may also be used.

[0035] Preferred electrically conductive polymers includepolypyrrole/poly (styrene sulfonic acid), 3,4-dialkoxy substitutedpolypyrrole styrene sulfonate, and 3,4-dialkoxy substitutedpolythiophene styrene sulfonate.

[0036] While the electrically conductive polymer particles can be usedwithout a binder in the various antistatic layers, preferably, they aredispersed in one or more polymeric, film-forming binders. In suchembodiments, the volume fraction of electrically conductive polymer ispreferably in the range of from about 10 to 90% of the volume of thepolymer particle/binder dispersion. Preferably, the volume % ofpolymeric particles is from about 20 to about 80%. The use ofsignificantly less than about 10 volume % polymer particles will notprovide a useful level of surface electrical conductivity. The optimumvolume ratio of polymer particles to film-forming polymer binder variesdepending on the electrical properties of the polymer, binder type, andconductivity requirements of the particular image-forming material.

[0037] The choice of the particular combination of charge control agentsto be used with the electrically conductive polymer in the antistaticlayer can be advantageous to the benefits provided by the presentinvention. The combination of charge control agents and electricallyconductive polymer can be optimized so as to provide a minimum(preferably zero) level of triboelectric charging and a maximumefficiency of electrostatic charge dissipation. Generally, the amount isfrom about 0.0001 to about 1 g/m². Typically, a suitable concentrationof a negatively-charging charge control agent is used in combinationwith a suitable concentration of a positively-charging charge controlagent. Combinations of charge control agents useful in antistatic layersof this invention comprise at least one of each of the following twogroups of charge control agents, (i) and (ii):

[0038] (i) an anionic coating aid/charge control agent represented bythe following formulae (1) and (2),

R—(A) SO⁻ ₃M⁺  (1)

[0039] wherein R represents an alkyl, alkenyl group (preferably an alkylgroup -having 10 to 18 carbon atoms or alkenyl group having 14 to 18carbon atoms) or akylaryl group (preferably an akyl aryl group having12-18 carbon atoms, such as C₈H₁₇—(C₆H₄)- or C₉H₁₉—(C₆H₄)—), Arepresents a single covalent bond or —O— or —(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)—O_(n)— or—CONR₁—(CH₂)—, wherein m is an integer from 1 to 8 and n is zero or 1,R₁ represents a hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1, 2, or 3 carbonatoms and M⁺ represents an alkali metal cation (such as sodium orpotassium), an ammonium group, or a substituted ammonium group.

[0040] wherein R₂ and R₃ represent the same or different alkyl group oraryl group (which may be substituted) and where the preferred alkylgroups contain 6 to 14 carbon atoms, and substituted or unsubstitutedaryl groups contain 6 to 20 carbon atoms, either D or Y is a hydrogenatom and the other is —SO₃M, wherein M is a cation as defined above forformula (1).

[0041] ii) a fluorine-containing anionic charge control agent having afluoroalkyl, fluoroalkenyl, or fluoroalkylaryl group, and an anionicgroup such as sulfonate, sulfate, carboxylate, or phosphate that isrepresented by the following formulae (3), (4), or (5):

[0042] wherein R_(f) represents a fluorinated alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, oralkylaryl groups having 6 to 14 carbon atoms and at least 7 fluorineatoms with 3 fluorine atoms on the end carbon atom, R₄ represents amethyl or ethyl group or a hydrogen atom, n has a value of 0 or 1, “a”has a value of 0 or integer 1, 2, 3, or 4, and B represents an anionichydrophilic group such as —SO₃M, —OSO₃M, —CO₂M, or —OPO₃M₂, where M is acation as defined above for formula (1).

[0043] wherein R_(f) and R′_(f) represent the same or differentfluorinated alkyl group or aryl group (which may be substituted) having4 to 10 carbon atoms and at least 7 fluorine atoms, with 3 fluorineatoms on the end carbon atom, either D or Y is a hydrogen atom and theother is —SO₃M, wherein M is a cation defined above for formula (1).

[0044] (5) is a mixture of:

R_(f)″—(CH₂)₂—S—CH(CH₂X)—CO₂H and

R_(f)″—(CH₂)₂—S—CH(CH₂CO₂H)—X  (5)

[0045] wherein R_(f)″ represents a mixture of perfluorinated alkylgroups having 6,8,10, and 12 carbon atoms, and X is —CONH(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)₂.

[0046] Polymeric film-forming binders useful in electrically conductivelayers according to this invention include can include, but are notlimited to, water-soluble or water-dispersible hydrophilic polymers suchas gelatin, gelatin derivatives, maleic acid anhydride copolymers,cellulose derivatives (such as carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, diacetyl cellulose, and triacetylcellulose), synthetic hydrophilic polymers (such as polyvinyl alcohol,poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylic acid copolymers, polyacrylamide, theirderivatives and partially hydrolyzed products, vinyl polymers andcopolymers such as polyvinyl acetate and polyacrylate acid ester),derivatives of the above noted polymers, and other hydrophilic syntheticresins that would be readily apparent to one skilled in the imagingarts. Other suitable binders include aqueous emulsions of addition-typepolymers and interpolymers prepared from ethylenically unsaturatedpolymerizable monomers such as acrylates including acrylic acid,methacrylates including methacrylic acid, acrylamides andmethacrylamides, itaconic acid and its half-esters and diesters,styrenes including substituted styrenes, acrylonitrile andmethacrylonitrile, vinyl acetates, vinyl ethers, vinyl and vinylidenehalides, and olefins and aqueous dispersions of polyurethanes orpolyesterionomers. Gelatin and gelatin derivatives are the preferredbinders in the practice of this invention.

[0047] Solvents useful for preparing dispersions and coatings ofelectrically conductive polymer particles by the method of thisinvention include, but are not limited to water, alcohols (such asmethanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol), ketones (such as acetone,methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone), esters such as methylacetate and ethyl acetate, glycol ethers such as methyl cellusolve,ethyl cellusolve), and mixtures of any of these solvents. Preferredsolvents include water, alcohols, and acetone.

[0048] In addition to binders and solvents, other components that arewell known in the photographic art may also be included in theelectrically conductive layers used in this invention. Such addendainclude but are not limited to matting agents, surfactants or coatingaids, polymer lattices to improve dimensional stability, thickeners orviscosity modifiers, hardeners or crosslinking agents, solubleantistatic agents, soluble and/or solid particle dyes, antifoggants,lubricating agents, and various other conventional additives readilyapparent to one skilled in the art.

[0049] Colloidal dispersions of electronically-conductive polymerparticles formulated with or without charge control agents, polymericbinders, and additives can be applied to a variety of supports. Typicalphotographic film supports are preferred and include but are not limitedto, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate,cellulose acetate propionate, poly(vinyl acetal), poly(carbonate),poly(styrene), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate),poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(ethylene naphthalate) havingincluded therein a portion of isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or 4,4-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid used in thepreparation of the film support; polyesters wherein other glycols areemployed such as, for example, cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-butanediol,diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ionomers as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,138,024, incorporated herein by reference (such as polyesterionomers prepared using a portion of the diacid in the form of5-sodiosulfo-1,3-isophthalic acid or like ion containing monomers),polycarbonates, and blends or laminates of the above noted polymers.Preferred photographic film supports are cellulose acetate,poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(ethylene naphthalate), and mostpreferably poly(ethylene naphthalate) that is prepared from2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof.

[0050] Suitable supports can be either transparent or opaque dependingupon the application. Transparent film supports can be either colorlessor colored by the addition of a dye or pigment. Film supports can besurface-treated by various processes including corona discharge, glowdischarge, UV exposure, flame treatment, e-beam treatment, or treatmentwith adhesion-promoting agents including dichloro- and trichloroaceticacid, phenol derivatives such as resorcinol and p-chloro-m-cresol,solvent washing or overcoated with adhesion promoting primer or tielayers containing polymers such as vinylidene chloride-containingcopolymers, butadiene-based copolymers, glycidyl acrylate ormethacrylate-containing copolymers, maleic anhydride-containingcopolymers, condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides,polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and mixtures and blends thereof. Othersuitable opaque or reflective supports are paper, polymer-coated papers,including polyethylene-, polypropylene-, and ethylene-butylenecopolymer-coated or laminated paper, synthetic papers, andpigment-containing polyesters. Of these support materials, films ofcellulose triacetate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(ethylenenaphthalate) prepared from 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acids orderivatives thereof are preferred.

[0051] The thickness of the support is not particularly critical.Support thickness of 2 to 10 mils (50 μm to 254 μm) are generallysuitable for the materials of the present invention.

[0052] Aqueous dispersions of electronically-conductive polymerparticles can be prepared in the presence of appropriate levels ofoptional dispersing aids, colloidal stabilizing agents or polymericco-binders by any of various mechanical stirring, mixing, homogenizationor blending processes. Alternatively, stable colloidal dispersions ofsuitable electronically conductive polymer particles can be obtainedcommercially, for example, a stabilized dispersion ofthiophene-containing polymer supplied by Bayer Corporation as Baytron®P. Formulated dispersions containing electronically-conductive polymerparticles and the preferred combination of charge control agents,polymeric binder(s), and additives can be applied to the aforementionedfiln or paper supports by any of a variety of well-known coatingmethods. Hand coating techniques include using a coating rod or knife ora doctor blade. Machine coating methods include air doctor coating,reverse roll coating, gravure coating, curtain coating, bead coating,slide hopper coating, extrusion coating, spin coating and the like, andother coating methods well known in the art.

[0053] The electrically conductive antistatic layer of this inventioncan be applied to the support at any suitable coverage depending on thespecific requirements of a particular type of imaging element. Forexample, for silver halide photographic films, dry coating weights ofthe preferred electrically conductive polymer particles dispersion in aconductive overcoat layer are preferably in the range of from about0.001 to about 2 g/m². More preferred dry coverage is in the range offrom about 0.01 to about 1 g/m^(2.)

[0054] The conductive layers used in this invention typically exhibit asurface resistivity (at 20% relative humidity and 20° C.) of less than1×10¹² ohms/square, preferably less than 1×10¹⁰ ohms/square, and morepreferably less than 1×10⁸ ohms/square.

[0055] The imaging materials of this invention can be of many differenttypes depending on the particular use for which they are intended. Suchimaging elements include, for example, photographic, thermographic,electrothermographic, photothermographic, dielectric recording, dyemigration, laser dye-ablation, thermal dye transfer,electrostatographic, and electrophotographic imaging elements. Detailswith respect to the composition and function of this wide variety ofimaging elements are well known in the art. Particularly useful imagingmaterials are photosensitive imaging materials that provide color orblack and white images and include one or more image-forming layers thatinclude one or one more photosensitive silver halides.

[0056] Such photosensitive layers can contain silver halides such assilver chloride, silver bromide, silver bromoiodide, silverchlorobromide and others well known in the art. Both negative andreversal silver halide elements are contemplated for photographicmaterials. For reversal films, the emulsion layers described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,236,817 (especially Examples 16 and 21) are particularlysuitable. Any of the known silver halide emulsion layers, such as thosedescribed in Research Disclosure, Vol. 176, Item 17643 (December, 1978)and Research Disclosure, Vol. 225, Item 22534 (January, 1983), andResearch Disclosure, Item 36544 (September, 1994), and ResearchDisclosure, Item 37038 (February, 1995) and the references cited thereinare useful in preparing photographic materials in accordance with thisinvention.

[0057] Photographic materials of this invention can differ widely instructure and composition. For example, they can vary greatly withregard to the type of support, the number and composition of theimage-forming layers, the number and location of the electricallyconductive layers, and the number and types of auxiliary layers that areincluded in the elements. In particular, photographic elements can bestill films, motion picture films, radiographic films, graphic artsfilms, paper prints or microfiche. It is also specifically contemplatedto use the electrically conductive layers in small format films asdescribed in Research Disclosure, Item 36230 (June 1994). Photographicmaterials can be either black-and-white or monochrome elements ormultilayer and/or multicolor elements adapted for use in anegative-positive process or a reversal process. Generally, thephotographic element is prepared by coating one side of the film supportwith one or more layers comprising a dispersion of silver halidecrystals in an aqueous solution of gelatin and optionally one or moresubbing layers. Preparation and composition of such materials is wellknown in the art. For multicolor, multi4ayer materials, layers can becoated simultaneously on the composite film support as described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,761,791 and 3,508,947. Additional useful coating and dryingprocedures are described in Research Disclosure, Vol. 176, Item 17643(December, 1978).

[0058] Electrically conductive layers described herein can beincorporated into multilayer imaging materials in any of variousconfigurations depending upon the requirements of the specificapplication. An electrically conductive layer can be applied as aninterlayer or directly over the sensitized image-forming layer(s), onthe back side of the support opposite the image-forming layer(s), aswell as on both sides of the support. When the electrically conductivelayer is applied over an image-forming emulsion layer, it may not benecessary to apply any intermediate layers such as barrier layers oradhesion-promoting layers between the conductive layer and the emulsionlayer(s), although they can optionally be present.

[0059] Alternatively, an electrically conductive layer can be applied onthe backside as part of or in addition to layers used to control curl(that is, a pelloid layer). In the case of photographic elements usedfor direct or indirect exposure to X-radiation, the electricallyconductive layer can be applied on either or both sides of the support.

[0060] In some photographic materials, the electrically conductive layeris present on only one side of the support and one or morephotosensitive emulsion layers are present on both sides of the support.In other materials, one or more photosensitive emulsion layers are ononly one side of the support and a pelloid layer that contains gelatinis on the backside of the support.

[0061] Electrically conductive layers of this invention can beincorporated as interlayers between one or more photosensitive emulsionlayer(s) or between pelloid layers, or both.

[0062] The electrically conductive layers described herein can also beincorporated in an imaging material comprising a support, one or moreimage-forming layers, and a transparent magnetic recording layercontaining magnetic particles dispersed in a polymeric binder. Suchimaging materials are well-known and are described, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,782,947, 4,279,945, 4,302,523, 4,990,276, 5,147,768,5,215,874, 5,217,804, 5,227,283, 5,229,259, 5,252,441, 5,254,449,5,294,525, 5,335,589, 5,336,589, 5,382,494, 5,395,743, 5,397,826,5,413,900, 5,427,900, 5,432,050, 5,457,012, 5,459,021, 5,491,051,5,498,512, 5,514,528, and in Research Disclosure, Item No. 34390(November, 1992) and references cited therein, all of which publicationsare incorporated herein by reference. Such materials are particularlyadvantageous because they can be employed to record images by thecustomary imaging processes while at the same time additionalinformation can be recorded into and read from a transparent magneticlayer by techniques similar to those employed in the magnetic recordingart. The transparent magnetic recording layer comprises a film-formingpolymeric binder, magnetic particles, and other optional addenda forimproved manufacturability or performance such as dispersants, coatingaids, fluorinated surfactants, crosslinking agents or hardeners,catalysts, charge control agents, lubricants, abrasive particles, fillerparticles, and plasticizers. The magnetic particles can consist offerromagnetic oxides, complex oxides including other metals, metal alloyparticles with protective oxide coatings, ferrites, and hexagonalferrites and can exhibit a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and aspectratios. Such magnetic particles also can contain a variety of metaldopants and optionally can be overcoated with a shell of particulateinorganic or polymeric materials to decrease light scattering asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,217,804 and 5,252,444. The preferredferromagnetic particles for use in transparent magnetic recording layersused in combination with the electrically conductive overcoat layers ofthis invention are cobalt surface-treated γ-Fe₂O₃ or magnetite with aspecific surface area (BET) greater than 30 m² μg.

[0063] The transparent, electrically conductive layers described hereincan be incorporated over the image-forming emulsion layer(s) or over thetransparent magnetic recording layer on back side of the support.

[0064] Thermally sensitive imaging materials are well known and somerepresentative embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,368,779B1,6,355,408B1, 6,355,405B1, 6,352,820B1, 6,352,819B1, 6,319,661B1,5,998,126, 6,284,442B 1, and references noted therein, all of which areincorporated hereby by reference.

[0065] The following embodiments are within the scope of the presentinvention, but the invention is not to be construed as so limited wherethere is broader language in this disclosure:

[0066] 6. The multilayer imaging material noted above comprising anouter surface layer on either side of said subbed or unsubbed support,and wherein the one or more electrically conductive, non-charging layersare interlayers located on either side of the subbed or unsubbed supportand between the subbed or unsubbed support and said outer surface layeron either side of said subbed or unsubbed support.

[0067] 7. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein the one ormore electrically conductive, non-charging interlayers are locatedbetween the subbed or unsubbed support and the one or more image-forminglayers.

[0068] 8. The multilayer imaging material noted above comprising two ormore image-forming layers, and wherein the one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging interlayers are located between two or moreimage-forming layers.

[0069] 9. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein the one ormore electrically conductive, non-charging layers are located fartherfrom the subbed or unsubbed support than the one or more image-forminglayers.

[0070] 11. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thecolloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles exhibit a packedpowder specific resistivity of 10⁵ ohm cm or less.

[0071] 12. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thecolloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles have a meandiameter of less than or equal to 0.5 μm.

[0072] 13. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thecolloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles have a meandiameter of less than or equal to 0.05 μm.

[0073] 14. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thecolloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles have a meandiameter of less than or equal to 0.025 μm.

[0074] 23. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thefilm-forming binder comprises an organic solvent-soluble polymer.

[0075] 24. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein thefilm-forming binder comprises a water-dispersible, water-insolublepolymer.

[0076] 27. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein the oneor more electrically conductive, non-charging layers is disposeddirectly over one or more of the image-forming layers.

[0077] 28. The multilayer imaging material noted above furthercomprising an interlayer between the one or more image-forming layersand the one or more electrically conductive non-charging layers.

[0078] 29. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein the oneor more electrically conductive, non-charging layers are on the backsideof the imaging material.

[0079] 30. The multilayer imaging material noted above wherein the oneor more electrically conductive, non-charging layers comprise anantihalation dye or antihalation-dye forming composition.

[0080] 31. The multilayer imaging material noted above furthercomprising one or more non-electrically conductive layers in associationwith the one or more electrically conductive, non-charging layers on theback side of the imaging material.

[0081] 32. A photographic material comprising:

[0082] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0083] one or more silver halide emulsion layers on one or both sides ofthe subbed or unsubbed support, and

[0084] over the one or more silver halide emulsion layers, one or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers each of whichcomprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles dispersedin a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents tominimize triboelectrification,

[0085] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of asubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.

[0086] 33. The photographic material noted above that is ablack-and-white photographic film.

[0087] 34. The photographic material noted above that is a colornegative film, a color positive film, or a color paper.

[0088] 35. A photographic material comprising:

[0089] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0090] one or more silver halide emulsion layers on one side of thesubbed or unsubbed support, and

[0091] on the back side of the subbed or unsubbed support, one or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers,

[0092] each of the one or more electrically conductive, non-charginglayers comprising colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particlesdispersed in a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10to about 90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge controlagents to minimize triboelectrification,

[0093] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of asubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymers.

[0094] 36. A thermally-developable imaging material comprising:

[0095] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0096] one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers one orboth sides of the subbed or unsubbed support, and

[0097] over the one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers,one or more transparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers,each of which comprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymerparticles dispersed in a film-forming binder in an amount to providefrom about 10 to about 90 volume % polymer particles, and one or morecharge control agents to minimize triboelectrification,

[0098] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of asubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.

[0099] 37. The thermally-developable imaging material noted above thatis a photothermographic material.

[0100] 38. A thermally-developable imaging material comprising:

[0101] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0102] one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers on oneside of the subbed or unsubbed support, and

[0103] on the back side of the subbed or unsubbed support, one or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers,

[0104] each of the one or more electrically conductive, non-charginglayers comprising colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particlesdispersed in a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10to about 90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge controlagents to minimize triboelectrification,

[0105] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of asubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.

[0106] 39. A thermographic imaging material comprising:

[0107] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0108] one or more thermally-sensitive imaging layers one or both sidesof the subbed or unsubbed support, and

[0109] over the one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers,one or more transparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers,each of which comprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymerparticles dispersed in a film-forming binder in an amount to providefrom about 10 to about 90 volume % polymer particles, and one or morecharge control agents to minimize triboelectrification,

[0110] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed ofsubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.

[0111] 40. A photographic material comprising:

[0112] a subbed or unsubbed support,

[0113] one or more silver halide emulsion layer on one side of thesubbed or unsubbed support,

[0114] a transparent magnetic recording layer on the back side of thesubbed or unsubbed support, the transparent magnetic recording layercomprising ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a film-forming polymericbinder, and

[0115] over the one or more silver halide emulsion layers one, or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers, each of whichcomprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles dispersedin a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents tominimize triboelectrification,

[0116] wherein the colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particleshave a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of asubstituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer, a substitutedor unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted orunsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.

[0117] The following examples are provided to illustrate the practice ofthe present invention and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

EXAMPLES 1 and 2:

[0118] Color negative film samples of the present invention wereprepared and compared to a conventional color negative film in thefollowing manner.

[0119] An electrically conductive, non-charging composition was preparedfor use in the film samples. This composition was prepared by mixing thefollowing materials in the order shown (weight %) at a temperature of60° C. with constant agitation. Water 54.55% Gelatin 0.53% Ethyleneglycol 9.26% Baytron ® P (available from 35.61% Bayer corporation)Coating surfactant 0.05%

[0120] Samples of conventional and commercially available Kodak MaxVersatility Plus 800™ film were used as a Control for comparisonpurposes.

[0121] In Example 1, film samples were prepared just like the Controlexcept that the composition described above was coated just below theprotective overcoat (above the silver halide emulsion layers) in thefilm structure at a wet coverage of 4.65 g/m².

[0122] In Example 2, film samples were prepared just like the Controlexcept that the noted composition was coated immediately over theprotective overcoat in the film structure at a wet coverage of 4.65g/m².

[0123] The electrical resistivity of the three different types of filmsamples was measured according to the procedures described in R. A.Elder, “Resistivity Measurements on Buried Conductive Layers”, EOS/ESDSymposium proceedings, September 1990, pages 251-254. The results areshown in TABLE I below.

[0124] The film samples were then exposed to white light and processedusing the well-known Process C-41 color processing protocol, conditions,and processing solutions (that is, KODAK FLEXICOLOR processingchemicals).

[0125] Optical density was measured after processing to verify that allof the film samples could provide color images. TABLE I SampleResistivity (ohm/square) Density after processing Control 4.0 × 10⁸ 1.99Example 1 1.0 × 10⁶ 2.14 Example 2 2.5 × 10⁶ 1.71

[0126] The results show that the imaging materials of the presentinvention have significantly lower resistivity than the Control film,indicating that the electrically conductive composition provided ahighly conductive layer. When incorporated into a non-conductive filmsuch a layer would therefore be expected to provide all of theadvantages expected of a conductive film. The ability of the imagingmaterials to capture and display an image is preserved when preparingfilm according to the present invention.

[0127] The invention has been described in detail with particularreference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understoodthat variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit andscope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A multilayer imaging material for use in an image-formingprocess comprising a subbed or unsubbed support, and having disposedthereon, one or more image-forming layers and one or more transparentelectrically conductive, non-charging layers each of which comprisescolloidal, electronically conductive polymer particles.
 2. Themultilayer imaging material of claim 1 wherein said colloidal,electrically conductive polymer particles are dispersed in afilm-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about 90volume % polymer particles.
 3. The multilayer imaging material of claim1 wherein said one or more electrically conductive, non-charging layersfurther comprise one or more charge control agents to minimizetriboelectrification.
 4. The multilayer imaging material of claim 3wherein said one or more charge control agents are present in each ofsaid one or more electrically conductive, non-charging layers in anamount of from about 0.0001 to about 1 g/m².
 5. The multilayer imagingmaterial of claim 2 wherein said polymer particles are dispersed in saidfilm-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 20 to about 80volume %.
 6. The multilayer imaging material of claim 1 comprising anouter surface layer on either side of said subbed or unsubbed support,and wherein said one or more electrically conductive, non-charginglayers are interlayers located on either side of said subbed or unsubbedsupport and between said subbed or unsubbed support and said outersurface layer on either side of said subbed or unsubbed support.
 7. Themultilayer imaging material of claim 6 wherein said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging interlayers are located betweensaid subbed or unsubbed support and said one or more image-forminglayers.
 8. The multilayer imaging material of claim 6 comprising two ormore image-forming layers, and wherein said one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging interlayers are located between said two ormore image-forming layers.
 9. The multilayer imaging material of claim 1wherein said one or more electrically conductive, non-charging layersare located farther from said subbed or unsubbed support than said oneor more image-forming layers.
 10. The multilayer imaging material ofclaim 1 wherein said colloidal electrically conductive polymer particlesare composed of a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containingpolymer, a substituted or unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, ora substituted or unsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.
 11. Themultilayer imaging material of claim 1 wherein said colloidal,electrically conductive polymer particles exhibit a packed powderspecific resistivity of 10⁵ ohm cm or less.
 12. The multilayer imagingmaterial of claim 1 wherein said colloidal, electrically conductivepolymer particles have a mean diameter of less than or equal to 0.5 μm.13. The multilayer imaging material of claim 10 wherein said colloidal,electrically conductive polymer particles have a mean diameter of lessthan or equal to 0.05 μm.
 14. The multilayer imaging material of claim 1wherein said colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles have amean diameter of less than or equal to 0.025 μm.
 15. The multilayerimaging material of claim 1 wherein each of said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging layers comprises a dry weightcoverage of colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles rangingfrom 0.001 to 2 g/m².
 16. The multilayer imaging material of claim 15wherein each of said electrically conductive, non-charging layerscomprises a dry weight coverage of colloidal, electrically conductivepolymer particles ranging from 0.01 to 1 g/m².
 17. The multilayerimaging material of claim 1 wherein each of said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging layers has a surface electricalresistivity of less than 1×10¹² ohm per square.
 18. The multilayerimaging material of claim 17 wherein each of said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging layers has a surface electricalresistivity of less than 1×10¹⁰ ohm per square.
 19. The multilayerimaging material of claim 18 wherein each of said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging layers has a surface electricalresistivity of less than 1×10⁸ ohm per square.
 20. The multilayerimaging material of claim 1 wherein said one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging layers comprises one or more charge controlagents that are selected from either or both of the following two groupsof charge control agents, (i) and (ii): (i) an anionic charge controlagent represented by the formula (1) or (2), R—(A)—SO⁻ ₃M⁺  (1) whereinR represents an alkyl, alkenyl group, or alkylaryl group, A represents asingle covalent bond, —O—, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)—O_(n)—, or —CONR₁—(CH₂)—wherein m is an integer from 1 to 8 and n is zero or 1, R₁ representshydrogen or an alkyl group having 1, 2, or 3 carbon atoms and M⁺represents an alkali metal cation, an ammonium ion, or a quaternaryammonium ion,

wherein R₂ and R₃ represent the same or different alkyl group or arylgroup, either D or Y is hydrogen and the other is —SO₃M, wherein M is acation as defined above for formula (1), (ii) a fluorine-containinganionic charge control agent having a fluoroalkyl, fluoroalkenyl, orfluoroalkylaryl group, and a sulfonate, sulfate, carboxylate, orphosphate group, represented by the following formula (3), (4), or (5),

wherein R_(f) represents a fluorinated alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, oralkylaryl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms and at least 7 fluorineatoms with 3 fluorine atoms on the end carbon atom; R₄ represents amethyl or ethyl group or hydrogen; n has a value of 0 or 1, “a” has avalue of 0 or 1, 2, 3, or 4, and B represents —SO₃M, —OSO₃M, —CO₂M, or—OPO₃M₂, where M is a cation as defined above for formula (1),

wherein R_(f) and R′_(f) represent the same or different fluorinatedalkylaryl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and at least 7 fluorineatoms, with 3 fluorine atoms on the end carbon atom, either D or Y ishydrogen and the other is —SO₃M wherein M is a cation defined above forformula (1), and (5) a mixture of R_(f)′—(CH₂)₂—S—CH(CH₂X)—CO₂H andR_(f)″—(CH₂)₂—S—CH(CH₂CO₂H)—X  (5) wherein R_(f)″ represents a mixtureof perfluorinated alkyl groups having 6, 8, 10, and 12 carbon atoms, andX is —CONH(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)_(2.)
 21. The multilayer imaging material of claim2 wherein said film-forming binder comprises a water-soluble hydrophilicpolymer.
 22. The multilayer imaging material of claim 2 wherein saidfilm-forming binder comprises gelatin, gelatin derivative, or acellulose derivative.
 23. The multilayer imaging material of claim 2wherein said film-forming binder comprises an organic solvent-solublepolymer.
 24. The multilayer imaging material of claim 2 wherein saidfilm-forming binder comprises a water-dispersible, water-insolublepolymer.
 25. The multilayer imaging material of claim 1 wherein saidsubbed or unsubbed support comprises a poly(ethylene terephthalate),poly(ethylene naphthalate) film, or cellulose acetate film.
 26. Themultilayer imaging material of claim 1 wherein said subbed or unsubbedsupport comprises an uncoated paper, a polymer coated paper, a laminatedpaper, or a synthetic paper.
 27. The multilayer imaging material ofclaim 1 wherein said one or more electrically conductive, non-charginglayers is disposed directly over said one or more image-forming layers.28. The multilayer imaging material of claim 27 further comprising aninterlayer between said one or more image-forming layers and said one ormore electrically conductive, non-charging layers.
 29. The multilayerimaging material of claim 1 wherein said one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging layers are on the backside of said imagingmaterial.
 30. The multilayer imaging material of claim 29 wherein saidone or more electrically conductive, non-charging layers comprise anantihalation dye or antihalation-dye forming composition.
 31. Themultilayer imaging material of claim 29 further comprising one or morenon-electrically conductive layers in association with said one or moreelectrically conductive, non-charging layers on the backside of saidimaging material.
 32. A photographic material comprising: a subbed orunsubbed support, one or more silver halide emulsion layers on one orboth sides of said subbed or unsubbed support, and over said one or moresilver halide emulsion layers, one or more transparent electricallyconductive, non-charging layers each of which comprises colloidal,electrically conductive polymer particles dispersed in a film-formingbinder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about 90 volume %polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents to minimizetriboelectrification, wherein said electrically conductive colloidal,electrically conductive polymer particles have a mean diameter less thanor equal to 0.5 μm and are composed of a substituted or unsubstitutedpyrrole-containing polymer, a substituted or unsubstitutedthiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted or unsubstitutedaniline-containing polymer.
 33. The photographic material of claim 32that is a black-and-white photographic film.
 34. The photographicmaterial of claim 32 that is a color negative film, a color positivefilm, or a color paper.
 35. A photographic material comprising: a subbedor unsubbed support, one or more silver halide emulsion layers on oneside of said subbed or unsubbed support, and on the back side of saidsubbed or unsubbed support, one or more transparent electricallyconductive, non-charging layers, each of said one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging layers comprising colloidal, electricallyconductive polymer particles dispersed in a film-forming binder in anamount to provide from about 10 to about 90 volume % polymer particles,and one or more charge control agents to minimize triboelectrification,wherein said electrically conductive colloidal, electrically conductivepolymer particles have a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm andare composed of substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containing polymer,a substituted or unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, or asubstituted or unsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.
 36. Athermally-developable imaging material comprising: a subbed or unsubbedsupport, one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers on oneor both sides of said subbed or unsubbed support, and over said one ormore image-forming, thermally-developable layers, one or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers, each of whichcomprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles dispersedin a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents tominimize triboelectrification, wherein said colloidal, electricallyconductive polymer particles have a mean diameter less than or equal to0.5 μm and are composed of substituted or unsubstitutedpyrrole-containing polymer, a substituted or unsubstitutedthiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted or unsubstitutedaniline-containing polymer.
 37. The thermally-developable imagingmaterial of claim 36 that is a photothermographic material.
 38. Athermally-developable imaging material comprising: a subbed or unsubbedsupport, one or more image-forming, thermally-developable layers on oneside of said subbed or unsubbed support, and on the back side of saidsubbed or unsubbed support, one or more transparent electricallyconductive, non-charging layers, each of said one or more electricallyconductive, non-charging layers comprising colloidal, electricallyconductive polymer particles dispersed in a film-forming binder toprovide an amount of from about 10 to about 90 volume % polymerparticles, and one or more charge control agents to minimizetriboelectrification, wherein said colloidal, electrically conductivepolymer particles have a mean diameter less than or equal to 0.5 μm andare composed of a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole-containingpolymer, a substituted or unsubstituted thiophene-containing polymer, ora substituted or unsubstituted aniline-containing polymer.
 39. Athermographic imaging material comprising: a subbed or unsubbed support,one or more thermally-sensitive imaging layers on one or both sides ofsaid subbed or unsubbed support, and over said one or moreimage-forming, thermally-developable layers, one or more transparentelectrically conductive, non-charging layers, each of which comprisescolloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles dispersed in afilm-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about 90volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents tominimize triboelectrification, wherein said colloidal, electricallyconductive polymer particles have a mean diameter less than or equal to0.5 μm and are composed of substituted or unsubstitutedpyrrole-containing polymer, a substituted or unsubstitutedthiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted or unsubstitutedaniline-containing polymer.
 40. A photographic material comprising: asubbed or unsubbed support, one or more silver halide emulsion layer onthe front side of said subbed or unsubbed support, a transparentmagnetic recording layer on the back side of said subbed or unsubbedsupport, said transparent magnetic recording layer comprisingferromagnetic particles dispersed in a film-forming polymeric binder,and over said one or more silver halide emulsion layers, one or moretransparent electrically conductive, non-charging layers, each of whichcomprises colloidal, electrically conductive polymer particles dispersedin a film-forming binder in an amount to provide from about 10 to about90 volume % polymer particles, and one or more charge control agents tominimize triboelectrification, wherein said colloidal, electricallyconductive polymer particles have a mean diameter less than or equal to0.5 μm and are composed of a substituted or unsubstitutedpyrrole-containing polymer, a substituted or unsubstitutedthiophene-containing polymer, or a substituted or unsubstitutedaniline-containing polymer.